Cody Gakpo has become the top scorer of the EFL Cup of this season with the first goal against Tottenham in Anfield to draw at Liverpool level in the second semi-final of this season’s competition.
The Netherlands striker Gakpo encountered the delivery of Mohamed Salah inside the box, pulling the 1-1 score in aggregate after 34 minutes in Anfield.
“It is regrettable for the spurs because they were trying to go out,” said former attacker Aston Villa and England Dion Dublin at BBC Radio 5 after visiting midfielder Yves Bissouma was dispossessed.
“But the danger is not treated and Cody Gakpo lace with its right boot – a good finish.”
Gakpo levels the tie! 🔴
He becomes the top scorer of the Carabao cup this year 🥇 pic.twitter.com/za4tmxgevz
– Sky Sports Football (@Skyfootball) February 6, 2025
Liverpool vs Spurs
Liverpool had almost 72% of the possession in the first 43 minutes of the match, with the first attempted Spurs to a goal only arriving in the 42nd minute, when Dejan Kulusvski lifted a very wide distance.
There have been few problems of this type for Gakpo, which has now scored five times in the 2024/25 competition, as well as to provide a decisive pass.
The 25-year-old scored twice after the 89th minute in the victory of Liverpool 5-1 at home at West Ham and two in 17 minutes in their 3-2 victory in Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round.
Gakpo is the Liverpool form player in Anfield, marking each of his last seven appearances there in all competitions.
Has Van Dijk had the chance to escape punishment for this challenge in Richarlison? 👇 pic.twitter.com/ng7e5yaidv
– Sky Sports Football (@Skyfootball) February 6, 2025
Tottenham suffers from an injury to Richarlison
The pressure continued to rely on Tottenham a minute before half-time, when Antonin Kinsky was forced to mount and touch Mohamed Salah’s strike on the transverse bar.
At the other end of the terrain, Spurs striker Richarlison, who was assaulted by injuries, hit the lawn while Liverpool attacked after having suffered another setback.
Ricarlison had made his first two departures of the campaign since his return from an injury to the hamstrings in January, but the Brazilian hampered before the break to be replaced by Mathys Tel, making his debut on loan from Bayern Munich.
Tottenham won the first first leg 1-0 by the goal of the 86th minute of Lucas Bergvall. The winners of the tie will face Newcastle in the final at the Wembley stadium on March 16.
